Saturday the Yeichs and I headed West to Thompson WMA and Sky Meadows State Park for some late spring birding. Our target bird was Cerulean Warbler, and they did not let us down! In fact, the first one we saw was on the ground in the path in front of us! Very unusual for a treetop species. We got looks at both males and a female. The other highlight at Thompson was a pair of Kentucky Warblers that were following each other through the understory and gave us excellent views. The whole time they were making a harsh chek note. Other highlights were Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Scarlet Tanagers, and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. We also found a dismembered Luna Moth, whose body had been eaten, but whose wings were scattered on the path.
Our plan was to observe the Red-Headed Woodpeckers at Sky Meadows, however that quickly changed when we found out that we couldn't enter the main part of the park without paying $20, because of a strawberry festival that half of the people in Virginia were attending. So we went across the street to a different trail, and were pleasantly surprised with a life bird: a singing Willow Flycatcher beside a stream!
So glad that you had a great day. Let's hope for a repeat in late June!
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